Reliable wired computer mouse recommendations?

December 18, 2015 11:06 AM

I need a wired USB computer mouse that is reliable, doesn't use a ball (so optical / laser) and has a scroll wheel. Bonus points if the mouse is also stylish. I'm willing to spend up to $50—(probably) not any higher.
posted by GlassHeart to Computers & Internet (14 answers total)

I was shopping for a mouse recently and discovered that a lot of the higher-end mice are built specifically for gaming, which means they are covered in weird designs and glowing lights. I ended up getting a Corsair M65 (non-RGB) mouse that I think looks nice, seems to be built very sturdily and has a nice scroll wheel. It's a laser mouse and has a lot of adjustable settings within their application. It does have a button specific for gaming (that throttles the DPI) but otherwise looks normal, unlike a lot of gaming mice. You can even turn off the (subdued) extra lighting. It has removable weights in the base if you decide it is too heavy or light and has a nice braided USB cable.

I would avoid Razer mice; they are quite nice, but in my experience (and anecdotally from others) they just aren't built to last.
posted by selfnoise at 11:19 AM on December 18, 2015

(also forgot to mention, it retails for a bit above $50 but I found it for 49.99 and that seems like a price it frequently dips to)
posted by selfnoise at 11:21 AM on December 18, 2015

No specific recommendations, but I've always found Microsoft's mouses (mice?) very nice.
posted by monospace at 11:42 AM on December 18, 2015

Reliable? AmazonBasics 3-Button USB Wired Mouse. $6
Reliable and stylish? Logitech M500 Corded Mouse $22
posted by bluecore at 11:44 AM on December 18, 2015 [3 favorites]

Yeah, the M500 is a great choice.
posted by Huck500 at 11:49 AM on December 18, 2015

I use the Logitech M500 mentioned above at work. Damned thing is indestructible but may not be comfortable if you have smaller hands.
posted by nathan_teske at 11:53 AM on December 18, 2015

These are somewhat dated looking but they are the only mouse I have used for the past 10 years or so. Super durable and they fit my hand perfectly. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Microsoft-Wheel-Mouse-Optical-USB-and-PS2-Compatible-OEM-mouse-/271341461899?var=&hash=item3f2d36218b
posted by miles at 11:54 AM on December 18, 2015 [1 favorite]

Nthing the Microsoft Wheel Mouse. Damn is that a good mouse.
posted by overeducated_alligator at 11:55 AM on December 18, 2015

Can't go wrong with Microsoft. Say all you want about them, but their peripheral division is amazing. I had one of their first optical mice, and when it finally broke up the plastic on the left button had a groove.

Unfortunately, it seems most of their range at the pricey, stylish end, is now bluetooth.
posted by lmfsilva at 1:02 PM on December 18, 2015

Microsoft. If I still used mice and not the Apple Magic Trackpad, I would use a Microsoft mouse.
posted by w0mbat at 3:12 PM on December 18, 2015

I've had a Microsoft Comfort Mouse 3000 for a little over three years. Optical. USB. Scroll wheel. Has never given me any problems. About $20 at Staples, IIRC.
posted by Bruce H. at 3:17 PM on December 18, 2015

Another recommendation for Microsoft. I've had my Wheel Mouse Optical for about fifteen years and it's still going strong. Basic and not particularly stylish but pretty much indestructible.
posted by A Robot Ninja at 11:45 PM on December 18, 2015

I have this Microsoft Intellimouse and have used it for 10+ years. If you can find one, get it.

The swoopy curve of the Logitech mouse is horrible for my hands, but the simple dome of the MS mouse fits really well.
posted by plinth at 4:35 AM on December 19, 2015

I'd recommend you go to a big retailer that has a selection of mice (Best Buy?). The brands people list here are good ones, but it's important that it feels good in your hand.

Personally, I've been really happy with the dragunov (44$ on amazon), it's marketed as a gaming mouse, but I use it for everyday tasks (and not gaming); great comfort, very precise. But you can't go wrong with Microsoft, and the other recommendations here are solid as well. In the end it's comfort and how it feels in your hand.

You might want to look at a modern mousepad as well (look for the gaming mouse pads again); this can really improve your mousing experience. Modern mousepads are significantly more impressive than they were a decade or two ago.
posted by el io at 7:09 AM on December 21, 2015